Robert Kendell Salter, longtime resident of Stockton, passed away on February 15, 2013. The illness

that took his life never took his spirit or smile. Words cannot express the depth of emptiness and loss we all feel at his passing.

Robert was 90 years old and lived a remarkable life. He was a brilliant, loving, gentle man.

He is survived by his wife Joan, six children, Ellen Salter Williams (Rudy) of Marysville, WA, Steven Salter (Cynthia) of West Bend, WI, David Salter (Kathleen) of Kanab, UT, James Salter (Patricia) of Folsom, CA, Donald Erwin

Robert was born in West Bend, Wisconsin to Milo Park Salter and Jessie Mae Swanton and grew up on the family's working dairy farm. He had a wonderful memory and told many stories of his early life on the farm. The one hundred and fifty year old Salter farm is still in the family, a source of great pride to him.

Dr. Salter earned both his Bachelor's of Science Degree in 1944 and his Doctor of Medicine in 1946 from University of Wisconsin. He also graduated with a Master of Science in 1952 from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr Salter opened his medical practice in 1954 in Stockton, CA. He specialized in thoracic and vascular surgery and pioneered the field in this area. He practiced medicine in the San Joaquin Valley for over 50 years and was also a respected instructor at San Joaquin General Hospital in their surgical residency programs. Throughout his career he devoted many hours to teaching the specialty of thoracic surgery and considered this to be one of the most important and rewarding elements of his career.

Dr. Salter was a founding member of the Clinical Society of Vascular Surgeons, Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians, Member of the American Thoracic Society, and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He retired in 1998 at the age of 75 and stayed actively engaged in many professional seminars and conferences.

One of his great passions was listening to classical music. His favorite composer was Beethoven. Many times you could find Robert reading a medical journal, watching a ballgame, and listening to classical music all at the same time. He enjoyed a challenging game of chess and remained a loyal fan of the Chicago Bears.

In retirement he was involved in community organizations and

enjoyed meetings of the Weber Point Coffee Club.

Robert was a very proud and patriotic man. He served our country in two wars, first in WWII as a Naval Officer and then in the Korean War with the US Army as the Assistant Chief of General Surgery at William Beaumont Army Hospital, El Paso, TX.